Ruapehu supports regional tourism plan

Ruapehu Bulletin, 24 June 1997, Page 3

Ruapehu supports regional tourism plan

"The Ruapehu District Council is pleased the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council is proceeding to establish a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO)," said Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton last week. In April this year the Ruapehu District Council supported the initiative to develop tourism programmes of mutual benefit. MWRC approved $60,000 for the establishment of the RTO in their 1997-98 annual plan. "Although the District Council has developed strong links to the north of our District and is a member of the award-winning Heartland Marketing Group, we are also strategically located to also take advantage of this opportunity," said Mr Kirton. The Ruapehu District Council is represented on the regional council's working party which is developing the structure of their proposed RTO. Statistics An ongoing Statistics New Zealand survey of commercial accommodation establishments in the Ruapehu District reveals some enlightening information, reports the council. Commissioned by the Ruapehu District Council, the

survey reveals that since 1 July 1996, just under $14.9 million dollars in turnover has been injected into commercial accommodation district-wide. Commercial accommodation establishments also support 200 full-time jobs. Marketing manager, Bruce Rollinson, said these figures illustrate one sector of the visitor industry. "When you consider that 20 cents in each dollar a visitor spends relates to accommodation, there is also considerable investment going into retail and other related industry sectors," he said. Mr Rollinson also said the survey only takes into account businesses which are GST registered and does not include those visitors staying in private dwellings (such as chalets) that may be rented out on a short-term basis. Guide A tourist guide is to be launched this week, titled the "Taupo-Ruapehu Local Guide" compiled by researcher Kate Wall. The glossy magazine-style book will retail for $14.95. Mr Rollinson described the publication as "a very comprehensive description and pictorial of the area and its attractions".